Physicians

C. Kris Hanby, MD

C. Kris Hanby, MD was born in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Springdale, Arkansas. Dr. Hanby received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. His residency was completed at the University of Oklahoma. He completed a fellowship at the University of Utah in knee and hip reconstruction. He joined the clinic in 2005 and practices in Fayetteville and Eureka Springs. His special interests include knee and hip surgery and general orthopaedic surgery.

Dr. Hanby's Educational Links

Dr. Hanby's Patient Testimonials

4/27/2014

Dear Dr. Hanby,

I came to see you about a year ago. I have bursitis in my knees, you gave me a prescription for therapy. I eventually received e-stim therapy last fall during that therapy I started running again and have continued to do so with no increase of pain in my knees. I now run 10 miles a week which has brought me great satisfaction.

I wanted you to know of the success of this therapy. Over the 6 years I’ve had bursitis I tried many things. I also wanted to Thank You for you encouragement. In your profession the problem – and its limitations- that I came to you with is very small compared to many people you see. Nevertheless, it has been a joy to me to resume running and I attribute that to you willingness to see hope & options.

I also appreciate your nurses who spent time on the phone with me answering questions.

Sincerely,
Kirsten Johnston

I am thankful for my wonderful care at pre-op and post-op surgery with Ozark Orthopaedics. I have no hip pain and am leading a normal life at 82, such as swimming, mowing, raking leaves, weed eating my lawn, and walking without a limp. I would recommend it.

Ronald Curry

I had a hip replacement done by Dr. Hanby in April of 2011. In my opinion, he is one of the best surgeons on the planet. I have recommended him to everyone I come across including a doctor in Fort Smith whose wife is about to have a 3rd hip replacement done. I would have Dr. Hanby do another replacement with no hesitations. God willing, I will not have to. My stay at Washington Regional was pleasant and the nurses were very professional and kind. I dreaded the whole experience, but found it to be one I would not dread again because of Dr. Hanby's care and the care I got at Washington Regional.

Sincerely,Dianne Tucker

Pain has never been something I have enjoyed or liked to tolerate, but about four years ago, my back and hip began to hurt. It grew in intensity,so, I looked for professional help in trying to manage the pain. All of the Doctors said the same thing; " You need a hip replacement". I'm not very courageous and put off surgery as long as I could. Dr. Hanby was recommended by a co-worker and after consulting with Dr. Hanby, I knew he was the one to help me. And help me he did. While still under his care, I am pretty much pain free and very close to unrestricted activities. I don't like to work in the yard, but now there is no excuse. Thank you Dr. Hanby and your staff for making old age a lot better.

Richard (Dick) Gwinn

After working for the Fayetteville School District for 30 years, providing servies for special needs students. I was pretty shocked to find that I too needed some special help. Due to arthritis and over-use, I had 2 joint replacements (knee and hip) within a year and a half. Finding Dr. Hanby was the ultimate answer. He answered my many questions and impressed me with his knowledge and concern. I remember sitting in my car after appointments, processing everything he had said, and feeling so grateful to be in his care.

Is the process frightening, painful and humbling? Yes. But it is short lived. With the support of the WRMC nursing staff and physical therapists, pain management and mobility are a priority.

What I had going for me were an extremely gifted/skilled physician, a positive attitude to make this a learning experience, and a devoted husband who coached and supported me throughout.

I would encourage anyone needing joint replacement to take a deep breath, trust those around you, and go for it. Now, I am the Grandma that I want to be, keeping up with four beautiful babies and toddlers who think I'm lots of fun!

Diana Falkner

This past week I had surgery at Washington Regional Hospital to replace my left hip, and the care I received was nothing short of superb. Everyone—from the anesthesiologist, Dr. John A. Brun- ner, to my surgeon, Dr. Kris Hanby, to the great team of nurses at the Total Joint Center – epito- mized professional excellence.

No superlative does justice to the incredible care provided by the remarkable team of nurses – Beth Duerr, Amanda Fricks, Aimee Henson, Linda Ramsey, Janet Jenkins, Amelia Yaeger, and Michelle McCawley – at the Total Joint Center. Not only are they extremely knowledgeable and hard working nurses but they are caring, concerned, patient, affable, and good humored. Despite the long hours they put in, the thankless tasks they must perform, the constant requests from patients in pain to which they must respond, they always made a point of saying, "If you need anything at all, ring me at any time"; "Are you sure you are doing OK?"; and "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

The point is: not one of the nurses simply did her job and left it at that. Each and every hour of each and every day they went over and above what was expected of them; but, tellingly, it is my sense that they would not (and did not) consider their efforts or caring dispositions as being "over and above," Rather, from their perspective, or so it seemed, the incredible care they provided was what each patient deserved and thus received. Through their words, their effort, and good cheer, they displayed, time and again, that they deeply cared about their patients' welfare.

As one who has traveled the world, lived in numerous countries outside the U.S. and been in a fair share of hospitals, I can truly say, without one hint of hyperbole, I firmly believe that there is not a team of nurses anywhere or any place where one could or would receive better care than from the aforementioned team members at the Total Joint Cent at Washington Regional Hospital.

I thank them all from the deepest parts of my heart, and commend them for being the epitome of what a caring professional is all about.

Sincerely,Samuel Totten

It's not a pleasant thing to breeze through most of your life with good health and then, at 64 years of age, discover you need a hip replacement. It might even make it worse when you're an RN and have some insight into medical care which you measure against your own expectations. When I could no longer ignore my pain, I went to see Dr Hanby who had been referred by a nurse friend. One doesn't just look in the yellow pages for this kind of thing. He read my x-rays and let me know his professional opinion. To my surprise he did not recommend surgery immediately but informed me that when I was ready, he would do the procedure. A few months later I decided it was time. His office handled everything and I was never in doubt about what was going on. I had surgery at Washington Regional where there is a unit dedicated to joint care. That unit in itself was a great experience. I never had to wait for anything, to my knowledge. Care was excellent. Home care and rehab was top notch. I returned to work in 6 weeks. People still ask me about my surgery because they are so amazed at how well I did. I recommend Dr Hanby to anyone needing joint surgery. Mine could not have been easier. Actually, I have the other one to go…I'm not looking forward to it but I'm not fearful this time around. I believe I'll be in good hands.
Dorcas Johnson

Dana, Thanks for all your help during my knee replacement process. Please also thank Dr. Hanby for me. Without his expertise, I would not be enjoying my active lifestyle.
Linda Berry

My wife and I want to take this opportunity to share with you the exceptional treatment and outstanding customer service we received during my recent total knee replacement and subsequent hospitalization on December 17, 2013. We both have worked in health care for 30 plus years, I as a social worker and my wife as a nurse. We understand how positive experiences can assist with healing and satisfaction.

The positive contact started prior to my surgery. I talked to Beth, Nurse Manager on the Joint Unit, several times in an effort to make sure requested documents from the VA had been received, and to ask questions about my upcoming hospital stay. She was professional and patient and helped me feel comfortable with my upcoming hospitalization. I took the last of the requested paperwork from the VA to her prior to joint camp, and during that meeting she took the time to show me the unit, introduced me to a couple of staff, and completed my intake. She did not have to do this but took the time to assist me and helped me feel comfortable with my decision, which gave me a very positive feeling and confidence in the unit, prior to my admission. She is to be commended for that. Joint Camp was very informative for my wife and I and we were able to get answers to additional questions.

During my hospitalization, I received excellent care from the nursing and support staff. They were professional, caring, and never once did I feel neglected or that I was imposing on them with my requests. There was several staff that went above and beyond expectations in the care they provided. John was my primary nurse and he was supportive to my care and was helpful to my wife with her questions and concerns. He assisted her in getting a sleeper couch for the room so she could stay with me the first night of hospitalization. He provided outstanding care and helped me maintain a sense of confidence in my care. He would check by at the end of his shift for any assistance I needed before he left. Other staff that I felt went above and beyond, were Elizabeth, Magdalena, and Blair who floated from the Pediatric Unit. My wife and I feel they deserve special recognition.

I appreciated the "expectation of improvement" from staff beginning at Joint Camp. I was expected to get up the day of surgery, to go to the dining room for meals, to attend group PT, and to use the CPM machine. I was expected to be part of the treatment and not be totally cared for by others. I feel this attitude fosters independence and rapid improvement from the start. For my wife and me, it was a welcome invitation to be part of treatment, to be expected to be involved, and take responsibility for our care.

Currently, I am undergoing outpatient physical therapy at Ozark Orthopedics. The staff there is excellent! The therapists are knowledgeable and they push and support me just enough to improve, have confidence in them, and thus I am improving. Prior to starting my therapy, there appeared to be confusion with the VA in terms of them not having prior approval the 14 therapy sessions. Erica called and told us about this issue, and that we could not continue without this. Erica contacted the VA and worked closely with them. She worked this out swiftly, and approval was received for treatment. Erica was most helpful in getting this resolved.

My wife and I would like to thank you and the staff for the outstanding care and the excellent customer service I received. We would recommend this unit to anyone needing joint replacement.

Respectfully,
Alan and Anna Jarrett

9/1/2014

Dear Dr. Hanby,

You did a hip replacement for me in 2012 and I wanted to thank you for giving me back my life!
I am 75 years old and currently am back to yoga, Pilates and swimming.
My initial hope was to be able to walk normally and without pain, but you gave me so much more.
Only wish I’d done it sooner!

Gratefully,
Sally Eastwood

10/01/2014

Dear Dr. Hanby,

I wanted to thank you for taking such good care of me recently when I had hip surgery. Everything was so complete. All the directions given out before ant boot camp and the 5th floor unit could not have been nicer- the bone and joint unit must be the best in the states.
You are a remarkable young man and a brilliant surgeon! I am so thankful you are my doctor. I appreciate all your help and “your team”.

Gratefully,
Charlotte Steele

12/01/2014

Dear Dr. Hanby,

I just wanted to thank you very much for replacing my hip and relieving several years of pain.
Everyone at the joint center at Washington Regional was professional, courteous and helpful.
You have established a unique and outstanding facility that many will benefit from, as have I.